Music therapy is a research-based health profession that uses music to help clients achieve therapeutic goals. But what does that actually mean?

“Research-based” means that the techniques and methods used by music therapists are grounded in scientific research conducted at universities and institutions around the world. At the Autism Expertise Center, research is continuously conducted in collaboration with international universities and organisations to develop and implement new intervention strategies.

“Health profession” means that music therapy is a field based on rehabilitation and medical models of care.

“Uses music to help clients achieve therapeutic goals” means that music therapists support clients in working toward specific developmental or functional goals.

For example, when working with a non-verbal individual with autism, a music therapist may support communication development through the use of an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device.

It is important to emphasise that music therapy focuses on non-musical goals. While instruments and music are used as tools, the primary aim is not to teach clients how to play an instrument or read music. Instead, music is used as a medium to support the development of skills such as motor abilities, communication, and speech development.

When working with individuals with autism who have an interest in music, this area of interest is used as a motivating factor to achieve meaningful therapeutic outcomes.

Benefits of Music Therapy

At the Autism Expertise Center, we work from the Positive Mind Methodology (PMM) (for more information, see the button at the bottom of the page). Our therapists and Positive Mind Autism Coaches focus on therapeutic goals in the following areas:

Social Skills Development

During individual sessions and group music therapy, clients practice greetings, turn-taking, eye contact, asking questions, self-expression, and cooperation through musical activities.

Social-Emotional Development

Music therapists create personalised songs to help clients identify emotions and learn coping strategies when they feel overwhelmed. Musical social stories are also used effectively to support these goals.

Behavioural Development

Engaging musical activities are used to support attention, waiting skills, and impulse control. Musical social stories are also applied to address behavioural goals.

Speech and Communication

Personalised songs are used to encourage speech and language development. These motivating songs include repetition and help isolate speech sounds, while musical activities and instruments encourage verbal expression.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills

Instruments and movement-based musical activities are used to develop fine and gross motor skills, supporting actions such as sitting, crawling, walking, and jumping.

Academic Skills

Academic content can be integrated into songs to improve memory and recall. A well-known example is the “ABC song.”

Self-Esteem

Through success-oriented musical activities, clients are given opportunities to express themselves, be heard, and experience a sense of achievement.

Where Does Music Therapy Take Place?

Music therapy can be provided at home, at school, or in a clinical setting. At the Autism Expertise Center, music therapy is offered at our locations in ’t Gooi (Netherlands) and Istanbul (Türkiye).

Music therapy is delivered by a qualified therapist or, under supervision, by a Positive Mind Autism Music Coach.